FFT Express: Players Jamey Eisenberg Can’t Stop Drafting! Fields, Mason, Mooney, Burden, & More! (08/05 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

Fantasy Football Today - Episode Summary: FFT Express: Players Jamey Eisenberg Can’t Stop Drafting! Fields, Mason, Mooney, Burden, & More! (08/05 Fantasy Football Podcast)
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Hosts: Adam Aizer, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and the CBS Sports Fantasy Football Crew

---

Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, host Adam Aizer and analyst Jamey Eisenberg delve into the current drafting trends and player evaluations for the upcoming fantasy football season. The discussion centers around the players Jamey consistently drafts, strategies for different positions, and personal draft preferences. The episode aims to equip listeners with insights to dominate their fantasy leagues.

---

Quarterbacks: Strategic Drafting and Value Assessment

Jamey Eisenberg begins the analysis by outlining his quarterback drafting strategy. He emphasizes waiting on quarterbacks to maximize value, selecting from the mid-tier options to secure high-performing QBs without overreaching early in the draft.

• Player Selections: Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, Mike Daniels, Josh Allen
• Mid-Tier Targets: Justin Fields, Kyler Murray, Drake May, Dak Prescott, Baker Mayfield

Notable Quote:
At [02:23], Jamey states, “Justin Fields’ rushing potential is too hard to pass up in those formats,” highlighting his preference for dual-threat QBs in scoring systems that reward rushing touchdowns.

He discusses the impact of scoring formats on QB value, noting, “Four point versus six points clearly changes a lot of things” ([02:23]). This underscores the importance of tailoring QB selections to league-specific scoring rules.

---

Running Backs: High-Upside Targets and Value Picks

The conversation shifts to running backs, where Jamey identifies both high-end and middle-tier players he frequently drafts. He emphasizes the importance of securing running backs who are likely to have significant roles or serve as flex options.

• High-End Targets: Jameer Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey, Ashton Genti, Alvin Robinson
• Middle-Tier Picks: Tiese Spears, Jordan Mason

Focus on Isaiah Pacheco:
Jamey highlights Isaiah Pacheco as a standout value pick, especially in the 6th round. He notes, “If Pacheco is back healthy, he is just going to destroy his 6th round average draft position again” ([05:04]).

Co-Host Commentary:
At [05:51], the co-host expands on Pacheco’s potential, discussing the competition within the Chiefs’ backfield and the possible elevation of Pacheco’s role, which could enhance his fantasy value.

---

Wide Receivers: Consistent Performers and Emerging Talent

Jamey continues with his wide receiver strategy, focusing on players who offer reliable performance and potential upside, especially those expected to thrive in prolific passing offenses.

• Primary Targets: Darnell Mooney, Luther Burden
• Value Picks: Cedric Tillman, Demero Douglas

Notable Insights:
At [08:38], Jamey mentions, “Darnell Mooney has been one of the most rostered players I have,” citing Mooney’s favorable schedule and offensive role despite injury concerns.

He also highlights the strategic value in slot receivers like Luther Burden and flex options such as Demero Douglas, who can provide consistent points without being drafted early.

---

Tight Ends: Balancing Star Power and Depth

The tight end position receives attention as Jamey outlines his preferences for players who can offer both immediate production and long-term value.

• Top Choices: George Kittle, David Najoku
• Emerging Talent: Tucker Kraft, Evan Ingram

Notable Quote:
At [10:05], Jamey shares, “David Najoku is probably my most rostered tight end,” explaining Najoku’s chemistry with his quarterback and his reliable output over the past three seasons.

He also discusses rookies like Loveland and Warren, positioning them as consistent 10-point per game options, while highlighting Tucker Kraft and Evan Ingram as players with potential to exceed expectations.

---

Host’s Personal Draft Picks: Balancing Risk and Reward

Adam Aizer provides a personal touch by sharing his own draft strategies and player preferences, giving listeners a practical example of applying discussed concepts.

• Wide Receivers: Nico Collins, CD Lamb
• Running Backs: Christian McCaffrey (3rd overall), Ricky Pacheco
• Flex Options: Christian Kirk

Notable Insights:
At [11:24], Adam explains his cautious approach with aging running backs, stating, “Christian McCaffrey is my third overall player, but I wouldn't take him in every single league because he's 29.”

He expresses confidence in Juwan Jennings despite recent injuries, emphasizing the importance of upside and potential breakout performances.

---

Conclusion and Future Episodes

The episode wraps up with Adam and Jamey discussing the tough decisions between drafting top-tier tight ends versus quarterbacks, highlighting the strategic dilemmas fantasy managers face. They tease upcoming episodes, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more insights and previews.

Closing Remarks:
At [12:50], Adam remarks, “It's so hard to pass up Gritty quarterback early sometimes,” reflecting on the perennial challenge of balancing position scarcity with overall player value.

---

Key Takeaways

• Position Strategy: Prioritize quarterbacks based on league scoring formats and seek value in mid-tier selections.
• Running Back Depth: Invest in high-upside running backs in mid to late rounds to maximize draft value.
• Wide Receiver Reliability: Focus on consistent performers with strong roles in their offenses.
• Tight End Selection: Balance elite tight ends with reliable mid-tier options to secure weekly production.
• Personal Strategy: Blend high-value picks with dependable players to create a balanced and competitive roster.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jamey Eisenberg: “Justin Fields’ rushing potential is too hard to pass up in those formats.” ([02:23])
• Jamey Eisenberg: “If Pacheco is back healthy, he is just going to destroy his 6th round average draft position again.” ([05:04])
• Jamey Eisenberg: “Darnell Mooney has been one of the most rostered players I have.” ([08:38])
• Jamey Eisenberg: “David Najoku is probably my most rostered tight end.” ([10:05])
• Adam Aizer: “Christian McCaffrey is my third overall player, but I wouldn't take him in every single league because he's 29.” ([11:24])
• Adam Aizer: “It's so hard to pass up Gritty quarterback early sometimes.” ([12:50])

---

This episode of Fantasy Football Today provides comprehensive insights into drafting strategies across all key positions, offering listeners actionable advice to enhance their fantasy teams. Whether you're a seasoned manager or new to fantasy football, Adam Aizer and Jamey Eisenberg deliver valuable content to help you dominate your league.

Transcript

[Host 1]

As a young adult, finding the right path to your future can feel overwhelming. It starts with Europe United's tuition free job training program, Career Pathways. If you're without a bachelor's degree but have a high school diploma or ged, you can get skills first training to succeed in the industries you're passionate about, all while earning a weekly educational stipend to offset basic expenses. From there, you you'll have access to internships and hands on experiences with Fortune 500 companies. And with Europe United's job placement services and personalized coaching and mentorship, you can put your knowledge, skills and most importantly, confidence into practice. Apply to Europe United today and take the first step toward achieving the career you want. Visit yearup.org to learn more.

[Jamie]

You all know I've been running an Airbnb for a while now and it's been a great way to make use of my extra space and especially when I'm traveling. And I've got some great trips coming up. First, I'm heading to Pinehurst, North Carolina for an annual golf trip with the crew. Always a blast. Then I'm swinging down to my old stomping grounds in Gainesville, Florida to catch a Gators game and slide into my favorite Mexican spot, La Tienda, for some steak tacos. What I love is that with the Airbnb co host network, I don't have to think twice about what's happening back home. I I found a local pro who handles everything, creating the listing, managing bookings, messaging guests, even being there in person if anything comes up. I get to enjoy the trip, be in the moment, and know everything's running smoothly. So whether you already host like I do or you've got a space just sitting empty while you're away, this is a total game changer. Find a co [e-mail] host Jamie keeps drafting.

[Host 1]

So who are the players that end up on his team the most? Players we keep drafting right now on FFT Express. Yeah, I don't know that I'm doing enough drafts lately to contribute to anything substantial here, Jamie, but I know you are always drafting and I appreciate that about you. So let's kick it off. Who are some of the players that you draft the most?

[Co-Host]

Should we go by position or should we go by just players?

[Host 1]

Position?

[Co-Host]

Okay, so quarterbacks is relatively easy because I typically tend to wait on quarterbacks. So the values right. I will obviously take Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, Jane Daniels, Josh Allen. But for the most part the quarterback group that I'm drafting from is typically Justin Fields, Kyler Murray, Drake May, Dak Prescott, some Baker Mayfield, some bonix. So quarterbacks 7 through 12 in my rankings, they just seem to fall to the spots where I'm comfortable drafting them. Four point versus six points clearly changes a lot of things. So the last four point per passing touchdown leagues that I've done one best ball, one redraft. I got Joe Burrow in round six because I thought the value was fine for him and I think he goes a little bit too far. That was best ball draft and then I took Justin fields in round 10 of a four point for passing touchdown leagues because. And that was at QB7 because I think his rushing potential is too hard to pass up in those formats.

[Host 1]

Yeah, you deserve some. Nope, not laughter.

[Co-Host]

And I'm a weird, weird. There we go.

[Host 1]

Applause. You got to hear the rest of that Dan quote. Just a throwback and I'm a weird.

[Co-Host]

Weird guy when it comes to the things I do with my hands. This is the conversation that you have to have if you're into handcuffs.

[Host 1]

All right, that was the sexy FFT moment there. Anyway, sorry for flubbing that, but. No, that's great. I mean, Justin Fields that late in a four point per passing touchdown.

[Co-Host]

It's not really that late though. It's just again, you have to put it in the context of when the quarterbacks are coming off the board.

[Host 1]

Yeah, I guess so. But well done. All right, so that's the range that you like to be at a quarterback. How about running back?

[Co-Host]

So this is, you know, kind of all over the, the map for in terms of the high end guys because depending on what pick I'm drafting, I will take Jameer Gibbs, I will take Christian McCaffrey, I will take Ashton Genti, I've taken, you know, Robinson. If I have a pick in the first three overall selections, I don't draft a lot of Saquon Barkley as you might expect. Round two, it's all those guys. Depending on who's available from Chase Brown, Jonathan Taylor, Bucky Irving, you. In terms of the most though, it's more of the middle tier guys. I draft a lot of Tiese Spears, I draft a lot of Jordan Mason. Those are probably the two running backs I have the most exposure to at this point based on where they fall and what my thoughts are for them. In terms of guys who I think will have significant roles at some point during the season or you could even use as flex options. Trying to think who else did I draft a lot of.

[Host 1]

Well, this one I can actually give you A name that I, I know I will be drafting a lot of and I have drafted a lot of.

[Co-Host]

I know.

[Host 1]

You know who I'm gonna say?

[Co-Host]

Isaiah Pacheco.

[Host 1]

Yeah. Here's my favorite thing about Isaiah Pacheco. I looked at ADP last year, 2024 fantasy pros, PPR, ADP. Isaiah Pacheco was going 20th overall. Now he's a 6th round pick and honestly I don't think that much has changed for him. I think his competition, I think Kareem Hunt's one of the worst running backs in football. He's not bad in short yardage, but he's 30 years old. I think today is Kareem Hunt's birthday. By the way, Happy birthday. Sorry I called you. The worst running back in football. He could take him off the field in short yardage. I'm actually, I actually think Elijah Mitchell is, is stiffer competition for Pacheco. But if Pacheco is back healthy, he is just going to destroy his 6th round average draft position again. I mean, I, I think everything was the injury last year, everything. And I'm very hopeful for him.

[Co-Host]

I do agree 1000% with what you said in your evaluation of the Chiefs running backs. Unfortunately, I don't know if the Chiefs have that same evaluation simply from the standpoint of we think Kareem Hunt can do X, we think Elijah Mitchell can do Y, we think Rashad Smith can do Z. And those three letters, why they use those three letters. But those three letters may unfortunately impact Pacheco to a certain degree. Where I don't know if round six makes the most sense, but seems to be the spot where might be the best for his value. So I think he's going to have a stretch of the season with a better offensive line potentially for the Chiefs than we saw last year, which could help Hunt as well. Remember, Hunt was running behind that crappy offensive line by the end of the season. But will he score enough touchdowns because of Pacheco? Because of Hunt? Excuse me. And will he get enough receptions? Because last year I think going into the season it was who they use. Carson Steele, like it was very obvious that it was going to be Pacheco. So I, I think there is some competition that could matter from what the coaches decide to do and also maybe not wanting to put so much on Pacheco. Not that that was the reason he got hurt, but you never know. In any event, I think you're right on Pacheco. He's, he's a great player to target in that range, especially if you go Hero RB or 0 RB. But even if you're just looking at as a flex, if you take your two running backs in the first five rounds, like why not? He's on one of the better offenses, at least what we expect going into the season.

[Host 1]

All right, we can take a break and Jamie's going to tell you the wide receivers and tight ends he's been drafting the most after this. If you're running a business, you know that every time you miss a call, you're leaving money on the table. When every customer conversation matters, you need a phone system that keeps up and helps you stay connected 24 7. And that's why you need open phone. More than 60,000 businesses trust openphone. So what is openphone? It's the number one business phone system that streamlines and scales your customer communications. It works through an app on your phone or computer. So no more carrying two phones or using a landline. And it's great for your entire team. With OpenPhone, your team can share one number and collaborate on customer calls and texts so any teammate can pick up right where the last person left off, keeping response times faster than ever. Open Phone is offering my listeners 20% off of your first six [e-mail] FFT that's O P N P.com FFT and if you have existing numbers with another service, Open Phone will port them over at no extra charge. Open Phone, no missed calls, no missed customers. Okay, wide receiver. What, what are your rosters looking like right now?

[Co-Host]

So again, going past the, the high end guys, the, the receivers that I tend to target the most and you know, don't love the injury situation for a couple of these guys, but Darnell Mooney has been one of the most roster players I have and the schedule is great. I think the offense is going to be very prolific from a passing standpoint. I'm nervous about the shoulder injury now but you know, now that's just helped his, his fantasy value. Someone that I'm drafting a lot of now and trying to is Luther Burden. I think playing the slot role for the Bears is going to be beneficial for him. Again, very easy player to select based on his value. I draft a lot of Cedric Tillman and Demero Douglas too. You know, I think just given where they're they're going late round picks, Tillman's going to hopefully benefit with Joe Flacco looking like the starter. We saw the three games after Amari Cooper was traded last year and Douglas the slot receiver for Josh McDaniels. I don't think you're going to get Wes Welker, Julian Edelman production, but again, given where he's being drafted, like, why would you pass that up? Like, yes, Stefan Diggs could be great and yes, maybe Kyle Williams could have some, some good performances as a rookie, but I think Douglas, if he is going to be the slot receiver the majority of the season, just too easy to draft based on his capital.

[Host 1]

Okay, and we'll finish with tight ends. You know, I'm looking at my Scott Fishbowl team and this is really a team of players that I think I'm going to be drafting a lot. So I'll read some of the names. But who are your tight ends that you've been, you've been drafting the most?

[Co-Host]

Draft a lot of George Kittle, you know, not, not somebody that we get, especially the back end of the first round. Like if you get to that 3, 4 turn, it just feels like it's easy to, to take him. I draft a lot of David Najoku. He's probably my most rostered tight end. You know, hoping that he's going to benefit again with the, the quarterback being the veteran guy and what we've seen from him basically with every non. Non. DeSean Watson quarterback has been great for Najoku over the last three seasons. I draft a lot of Tucker Kraft recently. I draft a lot of Evan Ingram as well. You know, just, I think he's going to be good. I don't think he's gonna be great. I think Kraft and Ingram will be. You know, I sort of look at it as, you know, where. What point per game range am I getting with the Titans? Because I think that's easy to sort of put those guys in categories and 10 is kind of the fallback for me. So Ingram I think is just above that. But the, the two rookies, Loveland and Warren I think are 10 point per game guys. I think Tucker Craft is just above that as well. Goddard's a 10 point per game, Guy Ertz is a 10 point per game Guy. Ferguson's 10 point per game. Now, like I want 11 or 12 if I can get it. And I think Ingram is, is one of those guys. I think Craft is one of those guys. So it's a slim margin of where you're looking and I don't think you should be drafting them so far apart. But those are the guys I tend to draft in that range the most is Craft, Ingram and Loveland. I like his outlook as well.

[Host 1]

All right. My Scott Fishbowl team is definitely a collection of of my guys, so to speak. Nico Collins is has a second round adp. I have him as wide receiver two or three right now. I haven't decided if I like him better than CD Lamb. Christian McCaffrey I have as my third overall player although I will not be quite as bullish. I mean he is my third overall player but I wouldn't take him in every single league because he's 29. Jackson, Smith and Jigba. I love his ADP. I get a little squeamish with some of the running backs and wide receivers at the 3, 4 turn, but JSN is not one of them. I have a lot of confidence in him. I like him better than, pardon me, Garrett Wilson for example. Who goes in that range? Pacheco. I talked about Ricky Piersall. I love Ricky Pierce. I, I did this, this was a few weeks ago we did this draft but now that Juwan Jennings is hurt or in holding out or whatever, you know, it's even more appealing. But I love Ricky Piersall and I love Christian Kirk as a late round pick. I think he has very little upside but I do think he could be. I, I, he's like my Darnell Mooney. Mooney might have more upside but I think maybe safer floor for Kirk. I still believe in him as a number three receiver. Not you don't have to draft him but he's, he's goes pretty late and that'd be it. That'd be my list of right now. All right. Thank you Jamie. Good stuff. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it.

[Co-Host]

And Joe Burrows, your guy, I mean you draft him whenever you can.

[Host 1]

Yeah man, it's so hard to pass to. It's so hard to draft quarterback early sometimes. But because I also like Kittle. Kittle is, is one of my favorite values. And then if I take Kittle, I'm probably not taking Burrow because they go in the same round. So I have to make that choice and it's a tough choice to make. But that's it for our show. We will talk to you tomorrow on F I think FFT Express actually back on Thursday but tomorrow on FFT it's RV Preview Part 2. See you later.

[Co-Host]

Paramount Podcasts.